deerfly

noun

deer·​fly ˈdir-ˌflī How to pronounce deerfly (audio)
: any of numerous small horseflies (as of the genus Chrysops) that include important vectors of tularemia

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deerfly was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near deerfly

Cite this Entry

“Deerfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deerfly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

deer fly

noun
: any of numerous small horseflies that are about the size of houseflies and have a painful bite

Medical Definition

deerfly

noun
deer·​fly ˈdi(ə)r-ˌflī How to pronounce deerfly (audio)
plural deerflies
: any of numerous small horseflies especially of the genus Chrysops that include important vectors of tularemia

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